How to Make Jewelry From Paper

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Image Credit: Lindsey Crafter

You might remember this craft from elementary school -- rolling strips of magazines on a pencil to create paper beads. Those same techniques used with interesting papers can lead to beautiful statement jewelry. Handmade paper jewelry is a great way to upcycle materials and it's an easy project to do with kids, who love wearing their hand-rolled beads!

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Things You'll Need

  • Several sheets of scrapbook paper or magazines

  • Bamboo Skewers

  • Glue Stick

  • Decoupage

  • Paint Brush

  • Ruler

  • Pen or Marker

  • Scissors or Rotary Cutter

  • Accent Beads & Spacers

  • Elastic & Necklace Cord

Step 1: Trace & Cut Strips of Paper

The shape and width of the strip ultimately determine the size of the bead, so test different widths to see what suites your project best.

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Image Credit: Lindsey Crafter

Using a straight edge or ruler trace diagonal lines at consistent widths ( I used 1/2- and 1-inch strips) to create slender triangles.

Image Credit: Lindsey Crafter

After creating your trace lines, cut your strips out using scissors or a rotary cutter.

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Warning

Be sure to use a cutting mat if using a rotary blade.

Image Credit: Lindsey Crafter

Step 2: Roll Beads

Begin tightly wrapping the wider end of the paper strip around a skewer, dotting glue as you wrap to secure each layer --especially towards the end of your strip.

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Image Credit: Lindsey Crafter
Image Credit: Lindsey Crafter
Image Credit: Lindsey Crafter

Tip

Try specialty papers for unique textures and finishes, I used a metallic corrugated scrapbooking paper for these large silver beads.

Image Credit: Lindsey Crafter

Step 3: Seal

Using a clean brush, apply a thin layer of decoupage to your finished beads and let dry. This keeps the bead's end from unwrapping and creates a semigloss finish on the paper.

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Image Credit: Lindsey Crafter

Tip

Propping your skewers up on a dish or bowl will keep the beads from sticking to your workspace.

Step 4: String

Once your beads have dried, slide them off of the skewers and start stringing. Try different patterns and combinations of accent beads to complete your design. Unfinished wood beads pair perfectly with the small paper beads to create an elastic bracelet -- add a tassel for a boho touch!

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Image Credit: Lindsey Crafter
Image Credit: Lindsey Crafter

Use a few large beads combined with interesting accent spacers on a neon cord for a high-impact statement necklace.

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Image Credit: Lindsey Crafter
Image Credit: Lindsey Crafter

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